Salt Lake evening Democrat. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1885-1887, 1887-03-28
THE TRUE POLICY.

'IdIIC VI hepuDllCdu parry III OGdh HOh
the ranks of the so-called Peoples party
is a vote gained for the loyal cause anC
one lost to the Church and State priest
hood. There are hundreds and Thousands
of wavering Mormons of the more lib
eral and intelligent class, who only
need little encouragement to induce
them to forsake their present political
associations, and unite with those
who are endeavoring to bring Utah into
line with other States and Territories o.
the American Union. A majority Of
these are young men, who, as they have
developed in understanding have become
skeptical in regard to the divine right OF
the Church leaders to dictate their po-
litical action. They have awakened to
the fact that there is radical difference
between the political methods of this and
other Territories of the Nation, and are
beginning to speculate thoughtfully upon
the causes which led to this
exceptional policy of the general govern
ment towards their people, and to con-
meet it with the political practices,
equally exceptional, of the leaders by
whom they have heretofore been con-
trolled. Most of these young men have
never heard any of the National ques-
tions discussed, while some of them per
haps imagine that the Mormon problem
is the all-absorbing, if not the only issue
that engages the attention of the people
of the country and of our lawmakers at
Washington. Having had nothing but
Mormonism and -Mormonism dinned
into their ears from their ear
hest recollection, it is but natural
that such an erroneous idea should have
been impressed upon their minds. The
thorough organization of the two great
National parties in the Territory, the es-
tablishment of clubs, and the consequent
discussion of the principles advocated by
the respective divisions, would en-
Tighten these young men in re-
gard to the great political questions
of the day, and enable them to choose,
each according to his own conviction,
which party is most deserving of his sup
port. AS it is at present, they have no
place to go, and consequently remain
subject to the political dictatlon of the
Church leaders, becausei there is none,
other than an equally local organization,
to which they can attach themselves. 1t
requires no remarkable amount OF fore
sight or political acumen to discern the
effect of this change of policy.
1t is within moderate bounds to estimate
that within twelve months, 1,500 men
who are now members of the Peoples
Party-to the extent at least of voting
that ticket, will have identified them
selves with one or the other of the
National parties, reducing the Church
and State strength by that number, and
increasing correspondingly the loyal
forces for united action against the COM
mon local enemy. We do not know,
nor will we venture to predict, which
party will be most strengthened by the
adoption of this policy. That is, in fact,
a secondary consideration with US, as it
should be with every unselfshly patriotic
citiEen of the Territory. We have no
hesitation in asserting that we would
rather see Utah come into the Union as
a loyal State, with a Republican ma
jority, than remain, for another third
of century - or for twelve
months, for that matter-a disloyal
Territory. Any Republican who would
not make similar political concession
is no true friend to the loyal cause in
Utah. This is the only place in the
Nation where there is even the pretense
of ignoring political lines. 1t has only
been pretense upon the part of those who
are bowling the most Justify against the
establishment of them now. The marplots
should be no longer permitted to lead
the loyal element to inglorious defeat.
The true policy is, Unity based upon
equity. Upon that basis there is chance
for success; upon any other there is GER
tainty of defeat. Let recruiting stations
be opened at both Democratic and Re-
publican headquarters. Let every pos
sible inducement be extended for enlist
ments from the ranks of the COM
mon enemy. Let the recruits re-
ceive a kindly welcome and be
made to feel that the warfare
of the loyalists is net against their fathers,
mothers, brothers or sisters, but for the
overthrow of a system Of government
and the adjustment of a pernicious
practice, neither of which exists else
where on any civilized portion of the
globe, and which have been too long
tolerated by the most enlightened and
progressive Nation on the face OF the
earth. Let not their ears be outraged
or their hearts wounded by personal de-
nunciation of their kindred, but let
the attacks be made upon the institu-
ton and its leaders, instead of upon
those who have been misled into their
support Make them realize that while
both of the great National parties are
divided upon other questions, upon
this they are a unit, and are willing to
join forces for the attainment of a COM
mon purpose. This is the true policy.
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THE REASONS THEREOF.